Filmmaking & Acting Summer Camp (San Francisco)

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! Filmmaking & Acting Summer Camp Overview: This 5-day summer camp is an immersive experience where campers will create multiple short films, each exploring different storytelling styles and genres. Through a mix of hands-on activities, improvisation, and teamwork, campers will develop creative confidence while making movies they’ll be proud of. DAY 1: Action-Packed One-Take Movie & Silent Film Challenge 🎬 Focus: Acting, Movement, and Visual Storytelling • Icebreaker: “Act It Out” – Fun group activities to build confidence on camera. • The One-Take Action Movie – Campers create a 1-2 minute action scene in a single take (e.g., a zombie chase, a superhero showdown, or a spy escape). • The Silent Movie Challenge – Inspired by classic silent films, teams must tell a short story using only expressions and physical comedy (e.g., “The Great Pie Fight” or “Lost in the City”). • Screen & Discuss – Watch the films and discuss storytelling without words. DAY 2: Mystery, Comedy & The Talk Show Challenge 🎬 Focus: Writing & Improvisation • The Mystery Short Film – Groups create a 2-3 minute whodunit (e.g., “The Missing Trophy” or “The Haunted Backpack”). • Comedy & Improv Games – Learn comedic timing through fast-paced acting exercises. • The Talk Show Challenge – Each group produces a hilarious or serious talk show segment with characters (e.g., “Aliens Among Us,” “Secrets from the Principal’s Office”). • Scriptwriting & Planning for the Big Film – Start brainstorming and outlining the main project for Days 3-5. DAY 3: Filming the Big Movie – Genre Pick 🎬 Focus: Shooting a Full Short Film Campers break into teams and choose one of the following genres for their main project: Some examples of movies are below but the story will be decided by campers. ✅ Sci-Fi: “The Portal Problem” – A group of kids discovers a strange portal in the park. ✅ Fantasy: “The Magic Object” – An ordinary object gives someone unexpected powers. ✅ Horror: “The Cursed Phone” – A haunted smartphone wreaks havoc. ✅ Comedy: “The Worst Babysitter Ever” – A chaotic babysitting adventure. ✅ Drama: “Best Friends… or Worst Enemies?” – A friendship takes an unexpected turn. • Assign Roles & Rehearse – Actors practice, and directors finalize their shot lists. • Filming Begins! – Teams start shooting their films, capturing multiple scenes. DAY 4: Continue Filming & Special Effects Scene 🎬 Focus: Finishing Scenes & Adding Movie Magic • Morning: Finishing Principal Filming – Complete any remaining scenes. • The Special Effects Scene Challenge – Learn to shoot basic special effects, like: • Superpowers (e.g., teleportation, flying, force fields) • Disappearing Tricks (using jump cuts and clever angles) • Ghostly Figures (double exposure tricks) • Editing Prep – Organize footage and choose music/sound effects. DAY 5: Editing & Film Festival Premiere 🎬 Focus: Bringing It All Together & Celebrating • Final Editing Touches – Groups polish their films and add soundtracks. • Movie Poster Challenge – Each team creates a poster for their film. • Wrap-Up & Goodbyes – Exchange contacts and reflect on the week’s experience. Extras: • Online Film Access – Campers will receive a link to download their movies and we will sometimes hold film festivals at various venues across the city!